One verse. Three ways to understand.
David said to his men, 'May the LORD prevent me from doing such a thing to my master, the LORD's chosen king. I will not raise my hand against him, because he is the one the LORD has anointed.'
David refuses to harm King Saul, even though he has the perfect opportunity, because he respects that God chose Saul as king.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishAnd he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the book of 1 Samuel, David was fleeing from King Saul, who was pursuing him out of jealousy and fear that David would usurp his throne, as God had already chosen David as the future king. While hiding in a cave at Engedi, Saul entered the cave unaware, giving David and his men a chance to kill him, but David restrained himself. This moment highlights David's deep respect for God's anointing on Saul, even though Saul was acting wrongly.